also-ran

noun

al·so-ran ˈȯl(t)-(ˌ)sō-ˌran

ˈȯ-

Synonyms of also-ran next

: a horse or dog that finishes out of the money in a race

: a contestant that does not win

: one that is of little importance especially competitively

was just an also-ran in the scramble for … privileges—

C. A. Buss

Examples of also-ran in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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For these Orlando soccer teams, there is a focus on creating an overall culture that builds a platform for sustained tilts at success, but the ultimate aim is to win championships, not to merely be impressive also-rans. —

James Nalton, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 In most polls asking voters to list the issues that will influence their choice in next week’s presidential election, foreign policy fares little better than an also-ran. —

Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Oct. 2024 Day two was dedicated to the also-rans—when Nikki Haley took the stage, she was met with some interruptive boos and a post-internet pink backdrop that complemented the flowers on her dress. —

Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024 Those shops are being operated by Brown's Super Stores, which is owned by Jeff Brown, a mayoral also-ran. —

Mike D'onofrio, Axios, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for also-ran